Devon's best young sporting talent set to dazzle at Plymouth sporting spectacle
A loud, colourful parade will kick off the Devon School Games which are returning to Plymouth this Thursday 22nd June.
The Devon Summer School Games will take place across three of Plymouth’s most iconic sporting sites: Plymouth Albion, Brickfields Sports Facilities and Stonehouse Creek Pitches.
The fun kicks off at 9.45 with the opening ceremony and Plymouth School Sports Partnership (PSSP) who have planned and organised the opening ceremony and parade are bringing to life a Women’s Rugby World Cup theme which takes place in Ireland this August.
The Devon Summer School Games is a massive gathering of around 1000 young people from primary and secondary schools right across Devon who come to compete in nine different sports for the honour of their school and the get a much coveted School Games medal.
Lisa Alford, from Active Devon who coordinate the Devon School Games said “We would like to thank the many young volunteers without whom this event simply couldn't’ happen. We have over 70 young leaders who are giving up their time to come along to the Devon Summer School Games on Thursday. They’ve been on a programme of leadership, sporting and communication skills and they’ll be putting all of these into practice on the day as they officiate, support and motivate the young athletes”.
The School Games are the County Finals and mark an exciting culmination of months of inter-school competitions, showcasing the best sporting talent in the County. With four School Games Competitions throughout the year, Active Devon lead a team of School Games Organisers who work hard to keep the competitions and themes fresh, innovative and relevant to Devon’s young sporting stars.
Five years ago the 2012 London Olympic legacy gave birth to the nationwide network of School Games and it is thought that over 10,000 young people have taken part in Devon during the competition’s five year history.
As well as the nine sporting competitions throughout the day there will also be a range of taster sports on offer for young people to try and this time they can dip in a try Disc Golf, power hoop, bounce and lacrosse to name just a few.
Each year the organises of the Devon School Games, Active Devon invite along a sporting hero to inspire and motivate young people on the day and in keeping with rugby theme, Active Devon are delighted to welcome Thinus Delport, rugby union wing and fullback player who has played for Gloucester, the Worcester Warriors and South Africa for the day.
Backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England, the Games have inclusiveness at their heart and are a successful means for young people to take part in sport across the school year. There are four levels of competition; school, local, regional and finally national level.
More information about the School Games is available on Active Devon's website www.activedevon.org
